Michael Jackson's "This Is It"

Since “The T.A.M.I Show” was released on December 29, 1964, the film industry has been trying to capture the definitive cinematic concert experience.

In the 70’s, we had “Woodstock” and “The Last Waltz.” In the 80s, we had “Stop Making Sense” and “U2: Rattle and Hum.” In the 90s, we had “Madonna: Truth or Dare” and the appalling, flag-burning abattoir known as Woodstock ’99 on pay-per-view.

Now, in 2009, we have Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” an electrifying last-minute exercise in self-aggrandizement from an embattled visionary desperate to reclaim his throne as the undisputed “King of Pop.”

If you ask me, the tagline for this film should’ve read “Caution: Mad Genius At Work,” because that’s exactly what we’re seeing here.

It’s a lavish eruption of whimsical sights and vociferous sounds guaranteed to make you question every drug-addled, skeletonian image trotted out by Nancy Grace during the months following his death.

We’re given a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the opus of a 50-year-old artiste in search of whatever sense of absolution he can attain and, had the concerts been able to go on as scheduled, I think we would’ve been looking at one of the greatest musical endeavors of modern times.

Whether it was the towering, Peter Jackson-esque production value or the pulsating finesse of 24-year-old Orianthi Panagaris on guitar, everything seemed to be pointing toward Jackson’s return to prominence. He had the look, energy, personnel and ever-present air of youthful exuberance needed to pull off such an ambitious task, which director Kenny Ortega makes sure to highlight on more than one occasion.

The only thing standing in his way appeared to be his reluctance to surround himself with people willing to tell him “no,” because the more he wanted, the less likely it became for others to resist giving into his demands. He lived his entire life in the midst of people so enamored by his genius that they seldom questioned what direction he was taking, so I guess it’s only appropriate that the circumstances of his death be clouded by a sea of proverbial “What ifs.”

As for the set-list, does it really need to be revealed?

You know the songs, you know the albums. Go experience it for yourself and, hopefully, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for just how unique he really was.

- **** out of 4